Who painted A Young Woman Fixing Her Hair?

A Young Woman Fixing Her Hair was painted by Domenico Maggiotto in 1745.

Where can I see A Young Woman Fixing Her Hair?

A Young Woman Fixing Her Hair is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is A Young Woman Fixing Her Hair?

A Young Woman Fixing Her Hair is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

A Young Woman Fixing Her Hair

Domenico Maggiotto , 1745

A Young Woman Fixing Her Hair is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Domenico Maggiotto. It dates from 1745 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1745, this drawing by Venetian artist Domenico Maggiotto portrays a young woman attending to her hair. Executed with black, white, and red chalk on a sheet of blue laid paper that has aged to a tan hue, the work captures a quiet, domestic moment through restrained line and shading.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is shown looking into a mirror, carefully arranging her locks. By focusing on an ordinary activity rather than mythological or aristocratic themes, the drawing reflects an interest in everyday life and personal routine, offering a glimpse into 18th‑century domestic interiors.

Technique & Style

Maggiotto employs a limited palette of chalks, using delicate hatching and subtle tonal transitions to model the form. The drawing’s draftsmanship aligns with mid‑century Venetian practice, where careful observation of the human figure and expressive line work were prized. The faint sfumato effect softens edges, enhancing the sense of volume.

History & Provenance

Trained under Giovanni Battista Piazzetta, Maggiotto was active in Venice as both painter and engraver. The work later entered the collection of his son, Francesco Maggiotto, who also pursued a painting career. Its current condition reflects the paper’s natural yellowing over time.